Description of experiment
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Needed compounds:
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bleach : NaClO
ferric chloride : FeCl3 . 6H2O
sodium hydroxide : NaOH
Class:
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elem=Fe
precipitation
redox
Summary:
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Bleach is not capable of oxidizing ferric hydroxide to the hexavalent
ferrate (at least not at 60 C within several minutes).
Description:
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Add a solution of sodium hydroxide to a solution of ferric chloride: An
orange/brown precipitate is formed (ferric hydroxide).
Add some bleach and heat to appr. 60 C for several minutes: No visible
changes.
Remark: Iron is hard to oxidize to its hexavalent state, altough the
ferrate ion [FeO4]2- is a known ion. A similar experiment with a chromium
(III) compound and bleach results in oxidation to chromate.